Join in the fun of one the UK’s oldest traditions on Tuesday 13 February. This is Pancake Day when traditionally teams of people race around the streets tossing pancakes in frying pans.
It represents a time of celebration, of using up certain foods before the period of Lent begins leading up to Easter. The exact date of Pancake Day changes every year, along with the date of Easter. What is certain is that it always takes place on a Tuesday, hence the alternative name of Shrove Tuesday.
The pancakes used in the races are not small American style pancakes, but large ones which cover the entire base of a frying pan. The aim of the races is to run a set distance, flipping the pancake over in the pan as you run – without missing and dropping the pancake. It invariably causes a lot of laughter and amusement and a fun filled site for tourists staying in Self Catering Apartments London.
There are two main races in London.
The first race is the Parliamentary Pancake Race which takes place just outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster Tower Gardens. A lot of familiar faces can be seen at this event as teams composed of Members of Parliament, members of the House of Lords and members of the Press battle it out. There is always a lot of fun involved and a lot of money is raised for charity.
The second series of race involves traveling to Spitalfields in the East end of London. Located at the Old Truman Brewery, the course is much more difficult than that of the Parliamentary Pancake Race because the runners have an added problem. They run along cobbled streets while tossing the pancakes. Each team of four wears fancy dress. Anyone take part, as long as they pay a donation to the London Air Ambulance Service on the day. An engraved frying pan is presented to the ultimate winner of the various races.
And of course, this is a great time to try out some of London’s pancake restaurants and cafes while a resident at Presidential Apartments Kensington. Whatever your preference, be it English, French or American style it can be found in London. There is an immense range of sweet and savoury pancakes available but be prepared to queue. Demand can be very heavy on Pancake Day especially around the lunchtime and early evening periods. Good places to try are My Old Dutch in Holborn, Kensington and Chelsea; the Wolseley in Piccadilly and Crème de la Crepe in Covent Garden.
So, if you are planning a visit to London this February and want to get the feel of home away from home, choose to stay in Holiday Apartments London which is an affordable option than that of a hotel stay.
